Hanging Bridges Walking Tour in Arenal Mayan Discovery

Mayan Quest

All content by Intrepid

10 days (ex Cancun)

Destinations visited: Mexico, Cancún, Guatemala, Belize, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

LAST MINUTE OFFER

Leave Jun 30, 2012 and save 25% $1,365

from USD$1,820

Book now

Description

Through Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, this all-encompassing adventure is a heady mix of volcanic beauty, ancient Mayan ruins, pristine Carribean beaches and colourful colonial towns. Travelling from Mexico's famous beachside playground of Cancun and on to the idyllic shores of Playa del Carmen, this journey is the perfect combination of cultural highs and active adventures. Discover the secrets of the ancient Mayans and traverse incredible scenery on this fascinating journey through Central America.

Highlights

Admire the dramatic scenery surrounding Lake Atitlan.
Breathe crisp air and meet locals in the Chiapas highlands.
Enjoy fun in the sun at Playa del Carmen.
Behold a dazzling sunrise over the Tikal ruins.
Savour spectacular jungle views from atop ancient ruins.
Spot carved snakes at Chichen Itza.
Soak up San Christobal's relaxed atmosphere.
Dive into the clear pools beneath Palenque's waterfalls.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cancun

Relax by the water or head to Zona Arqueologica El Rey to wander around the ruins and meet the sun loving iguanas.

Day 2 Chichen Itza/Merida

Explore the incredible ruins and visit El Castillo, best known for its amazing carved snakes.

Days 3-4 Palenque

Climb to the top of these ruins for endless views of the jungle, then rest in the nearby Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls.

Days 5-6 San Cristobal de las Casas

Enjoy the Chiapas highlands and meet the local villagers who mix Catholicism with indigenous religions to create a fascinating hybrid. Visit the unique church in San Juan Chamula where pine needles carpet the floor.

Days 7-8 Panajachel

Ringed by volcanoes and villages resting on the shores of beautiful Lago de Atitlan, Panajachel is a great base to explore the region.

Days 9-10 Chichicastenango/Antigua

Find a bargain at the colourful markets at Chichicastenango before stopping in Antigua, famous for its colonial architecture. Visit a grassroots women's cooperative to watch community development and support in action.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nts)

Transport

Plane, Minibus, Bus

Budget

Allow USD $440 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,820

Book now

Traveller reviews for Mayan Quest (0)

To write a review sign in, register or

Recommend

Add your experience Your experience “ ”
Say more…
Write your review Your review

Tags

Good for…

Not good for…

Photo Upload

Add a photo

Note: when you submit posts to our site (including images), you’re giving us permission to reuse your material elsewhere and also to pass it to others for use. Full website terms here.